The Barnstable Brown Party benefits diabetes and obesity research. The Grand Gala benefits various non-profits in Louisville. The Unbridled Eve Gala benefits charities like Blessings In A Backpack. And the Julep Ball raises money for cancer research.

At Barnstable Brown Gala in the Highlands celebrities shared why they came to Louisville this Derby weekend.

"It's great. Overdue. I'm almost embarrassed when people say, 'You've been to the Derby.' And I hadn't," said actor Josh Hopkins.

"I had the best time of my life, so I could not wait to come back. This is a great party. The weekend was great. I heard the weather was going to be better this year, so I cannot complain. I didn't complain last year and it was raining the whole time," said actor Josh Henderson.

"When the horses are coming around that final turn, it's really exciting time the people are here are great the opportunities to interact with peers and people from Kentucky," said Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The Unbridled Derby Eve Gala was held at the Galt House and broke records with 1,250 people in attendance.

It's the primary fundraiser for Blessings in a Backpack, which helps feed thousands of elementary kids.

Celebrities in attendance spoke about the event and the Derby.

"I'm happy to be here tonight. Got off work early tonight, got to bring my little brother, Buck, with me. Also I'm an Oldham County grad, so this is a really neat experience for my family to experience also," said Olympic bobsledder Dallas Robinson.

"There's an energy about the people- you can see it in their faces. You can feel it in their greetings and handshakes. It's a warm, celebratory place and it's a special moment and I enjoy being part of it," said "Two Broke Girls" actor Jonathan Kite.

"It's a historical event, a great tradition that goes along with it. Everybody dresses up, you just don't find that anywhere else," said NFL hall of famer Warren Moon.

"It's a total team effort, but there's so much that goes into it. The doctors and trainers, the jockeys have to be in good shape. The horse has to be ready to go. It's very similar to football. One guy, the jockey, like the QB gets a lot of the credit, but it's a total team effort," said Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez.

The Grand Gala was held at the Louisville Marriott East in Jeffersontown.

Stars walked the purple carpet and talked about the races, their upcoming movies and the meaning of this event.

"I don't go to other race tracks. Once you go to this one you don't want to go to any other race track so once a year I tried to get here," said NBA great Julius Irving. "We have all been blessed. Those who have been given, have the responsibility to give back. So that's why they are here."